Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort!

Flip · Dec 26, 2024

Flagpole knob, VA
Starting Elevation: 4290
Temperature: 30 degrees

I was really enjoying some good off-roading but the packed snow & slick ice left me no choice but to abort, tuck tail, turn around, and go home.

I was sliding around way more than my heart could take. I really wanted to press on but (see last photo) it was a sheet of ice, one long slip & slide. I dont know if airing down lower may have helped. I don't have chains but they crossed my mind. Running solo and losing daylight was also a factor.

This is the first time I've ever had to turn around, I failed!

Would you have turned around or ran it?

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_165420

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Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_171105

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_164911

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_165859

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_163452

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_163659

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_154010

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 20241225_160203

DogsRule · Dec 26, 2024

All I'm seeing is a future ARA Forest Rally stage ! :clap:

Hope this ain't your daily drive. But I'd air down and crawl to enjoy it. Now's not the time to do something beyond you. Thanks for playing it safe.

Zandcwhite · Dec 26, 2024

Single digit psi is about the only thing I've found works in those conditions.

Poseidon20 · Dec 26, 2024

We’re going to flag pole this Saturday via union springs. It’s supposed to be close to 50 though so hopefully no snow or ice. Being solo I think you did the right thing though. Not sure if you have a winch.

calemasters · Dec 26, 2024

Flip said:
Flagpole knob, VA
Starting Elevation: 4290
Temperature: 30 degrees

I was really enjoying some good off-roading but the packed snow & slick ice left me no choice but to abort, tuck tail, turn around, and go home.

I was sliding around way more than my heart could take. I really wanted to press on but (see last photo) was a sheet of ice, one long slip & slide. I dont know if airing down lower may have helped. I don't have chains but they crossed my mind. Running solo and losing daylight was also a factor.

This is the first time I've ever had to turn around, I failed!

Would you have turned around or ran it?

I am sure your insurance company appriciates your decision.

NWJeepr · Dec 26, 2024

When in doubt, turn around...it's an even better decision if you're alone.

Jtphoto · Dec 26, 2024

Well, you made the call that’s RIGHT for you in that situation. Some may have dropped the air pressure and continued on, BUT, for you the stress may have added to the complications. If you don’t enjoy the ride it’s not worth continuing. There will always be another day that you can go again with friends and feel safe to push your limits a bit more.

keeperman13 · Dec 26, 2024

Live to wheel another day. Plus, I believe everytime you go out and press the envelope a little and make it back, you learn and push the limits of your ability a little more. It was a great day for learning. And what you got through looks awesome. Stoked for you

wibornz · Dec 26, 2024

Zandcwhite said:
Single digit psi is about the only thing I've found works in those conditions.

When in doubt, air it out.

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 1735235616496-w

About 5 psi

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 1735235777101-tk

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 1735235904051-eh

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 1735235921855-5r

jeepoch · Dec 26, 2024

@Flip

John, never second guess your decision to turn around. For some of us though, the going gets a little more out there.

Red Cone Pass, elevation 12,801 ft.

Stay Safe,
Jay

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! IMG_20230916_123506196_HDR

wibornz · Dec 26, 2024

jeepoch said:
@Flip

John, never second guess your decision to turn around. For some of us though, the going gets a little more out there.

Red Cone Pass, elevation 12,801 ft.

Stay Safe,
Jay

Red Cone is one of my favorite trails in Colorado. The first time we ran it, it was in the dark. That was slightly terrifying.

Jeep Wrangler JL Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort! 1735236505066-28

Pape · Dec 26, 2024

Better turning arround on your own power than go get some one to come pull you out. When it is for enjoyment, it is ok to call quit before it is no longer enjoyable

jbcrane · Dec 26, 2024

If you're out of your safety zone you definitely did the right thing. Some of those passageways between trees look pretty narrow, especially on ice. There's no shame in living to fight another day.

wibornz · Dec 26, 2024

What I say is wheel within 70% of your vehicle capability and your capability. That leaves a pretty good buffer for over judgment of situations.

bthomp · Dec 26, 2024

jeepoch said:
@Flip

John, never second guess your decision to turn around. For some of us though, the going gets a little more out there.

Red Cone Pass, elevation 12,801 ft.

Stay Safe,
Jay

That is a tricky run dry! I hope the downhill side was nice and dry for your decent. For those that haven't been there, that portion is a full attention, white knuckle, slipping is bad (deadly) part.

Wheeling in snow & ice = Abort!

Flip

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DogsRule

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Zandcwhite

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Poseidon20

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calemasters

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NWJeepr

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Jtphoto

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keeperman13

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wibornz

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jeepoch

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wibornz

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Pape

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